From Sudden Storms to Sunshine and From Root Veggies to Flower Fields, Our Miller Farms Harvesting Adventure was Everything We Hoped For—and More! Written by CI Senior Instructor Erin Angel.
The students from Lafayette Explore Outside (LEO) spent a gorgeous Colorado day harvesting vegetables and playing outside at Miller Farms on our very first trip of the program. Our day was packed with laughter, surprises, and just the right amount of adventure, from unexpected weather to fields bursting with color and life.
As soon as we pulled into Miller Farms, the weather decided to give us a dramatic welcome: dark clouds rolled in, wind howled, and we huddled together for warmth. Instructor Hailey made a quick dash back for extra layers, while the rest of us turned the chilly wait into a chance for an impromptu game of Imposter.
When the skies cleared, our adventure truly began. Our driver, Luis, led the way on a hayride that turned out to be the highlight of the day. Friendly, funny, and full of knowledge, he showed us how to harvest our own root veggies – carrots, onions, and leeks fresh from the soil! The kids loved chatting with him in Spanish and asking questions as we went.
Before long, our hay wagon was brimming with produce we had enjoyed harvesting: sweet corn, popcorn, beets, kale, flowers, tomatoes, eggplant, basil, and peppers. We got to know each other while discovering the weirdest, tastiest, and most interesting vegetables. We also had the deeply satisfying feeling of picking food straight from the earth. When we reached the flower field, something magical happened: everyone grew quiet, carefully selecting and arranging beautiful bouquets of zinnias and marigolds to take home. It was a peaceful, golden moment.
We didn’t finish the hayride until after 2:00 pm, which made for a well-earned late lunch. Sitting in a cozy circle on crazy creeks, we enjoyed our meal, shared gratitude during a “go-round,” and sipped warm apple cider (even if it wasn’t everyone’s favorite!). After lunch came Rocky Handy, a fast-paced, laughter-filled energizer that quickly became a group favorite.
Next up: the corn maze! We split up into two groups and decided to race. Both groups found their way to the maze exit within minutes of each other. And because we still had energy to burn, we wrapped up the day exploring Miller Farms’ epic play structures, building a “Frankencroc” out of Croc pieces, climbing aboard a spaceship-looking contraption, and jumping around on the straw bale maze while playing Rocky Handy again for good measure.
By the time we loaded back into the van, we were tired, dirty and had all become friends. When we arrived back at the Lafayette Nature Center, each student greeted their parents with a beautiful bouquet and four giant bags of vegetables each. We can’t wait to hear what their families cooked with all that bounty.
A big thanks to the funders and supporters that make the LEO program possible, including: Enterprise Holdings Foundation, Great Outdoors Colorado, Patagonia, PeyBack Foundation, Strear Family Foundation, Thorne Nature Experience, Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program and the Xcel Energy Foundation.
If you’re also passionate about getting students outdoors for learning through adventure, please consider making a donation or becoming a monthly donor! You’ll help invest in our students, programs, and long-term sustainability and success!
